[access-uk] My new pc
- From: "Adrian Higginbotham" <adrian.higginbotham@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2007 10:52:47 -0000
All: following up on a couple of recent threads on the list about
choosing a new computer. I promised to let a number of people know how I
got on with my new machine from PC Specialist.
When I placed the order the Website indicated a lead time of 7 to 10
working days. There is a useful online tracking system that shows you
your machine progressing the five stages from order to dispatch.
In reality this system isn't all that useful as, in my case anyway, the
order sat at one stage for most of the time and then jumped 2 or 3
stages inside a very short period. still nice to be able to check on
progress without having to sit in a telephone queue though.
in the end my machine actually took 12 working days to be delivered,
ordered on a sunday, arrived on the tuesday of the 3rd week.
I had an email notification that the machine had been dispatched on
monday afternoon and it was delivered at 9.30 next morning which is not
half bad.
The pc specialist site did say that if I entered my mobile number on to
the my details area of the site I would also receive a text message when
my order was dispatched. this didn't happen.
The machine:
The monitor has been delivered with a european power lead only, not a uk
lead as detailed. this is a simple oversight which is a little annoying
but not too problematic as I have simply used one from a old machine
until the new one arrives, which following a quick phone call I am told
it will.
When I built my machine the online guidance recommended that for the
processor I had selected it would be advisable to upgrade the power
supply and fan. This I did. The machine I have to say seems to be
pretty noisy in running, I don't know if the extra fan is to blame but
I'm certainly glad it isn't in the sitting room.
The case itself is huge, plenty of room for expansion and came supplied
with all the little extra bits and pieces that hadn't been used during
the build, drive cables etc.
running and software installation
The machine booted straight up, no need to enter authorization codes, or
to login, so I was able to get up and running straight away using
narrator without any assistance.
the only software I have tried to install thus far has been jfw and this
hasn't been succesfful as yet as jaws after installing failed to talk.
narrator allowed me to establish that jfw is flagging a video intercept
error. With no operational internet connection until I plug the router
back in I let things lie until this morning. Aphone call to s and s
flagged the probability that there are two display drivers installed and
that this is messing up the jaws intercept. In my call to Pc specialist
about the power cord I ask if this was likely to be the case and they
confirmed that the ati radeons series do indeed come set-up with two
display drivers installed so I'm hopeful that I'll get up and running
this evening simply by disabling one of these.
overall: I describe the experience as not completely smooth but in the
main more than satisfactory in terms of machine ability and value for
money.
Would I recommend pc specialist?
yes for anyone confident enough to set-up and resolve technical issues
themselves, no if you are relying on the machine running straight out of
the box with a gliche free screenreader install.
Adrian Higginbotham
Project manager, Standards
British Educational Communications and Technology Agency - BECTA
Tel: Direct dial 024 7679 7333 - Becta switchboard 02476-416994.
Email: Adrian.Higginbotham@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Web: http://www.becta.org.uk/
BECTA, Millburn Hill Road, Science Park, Coventry, CV4 7JJ
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